Apple's iPod tops PC Magazine survey

Apple's iPod scored first overall, first among MP3 players in the first year of ownership, first among flash players, first among mini hard-drive players, and first among big hard-drive players in a recent survey of MP3 players conducted by PC Magazine. The iPod received scores among the highest in any category in the survey, and Apple earned slightly better sound quality scores for its hard drive models than for its iPod shuffle; despite the fact that testing found better sound quality with the shuffle. The survey states that readers may be responding to the shuffle's lack of equalizer features. Only Apple and iRiver scored better than average among flash players, and only Apple scored better than average overall on mini hard drive and hard drive players, according to the survey. Also noted is the iPod's unusually high repair rate, with nine percent of iPod users reporting that their units needed repair in the past 12 months.

Autobytel brings CarTV series to 5G iPod

Left Lane News today noted that Autobytel's CarTV has announced a download center where users can get free automotive video content that will play on Apple's new fifth-generation iPod. CarTV's initial menu of downloadable Video iPod content includes expert third-party new vehicle reviews, step-by-step car maintenance tips, and a weekly automotive news program covering late-breaking industry announcements, trends and issues. "iPod users are a prime car-buying demographic, and Video iPods are an ideal platform for the dynamic, hands-on automotive content CarTV produces."

WSJ on iPod craze, accessories

The Wall Street Journal has posted an overview of the latest iPod accessories. "The iPod craze has spawned a mini-industry of accessories for the device. From cases that let you take your tunes under water to a gadget that can turn humble iPod users into disc jockeys, these companies are busy making what they think will be the must-have add-ons for Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod this holiday season." With the launch of the third-generation iPod in 2003, Apple adopted a standardized connection outlet so just about any company could make add-ons that would link with the digital-music player. Today, Apple boasts more than 1,000 different accessories have been made for the 28 million iPods sold since the device hit the market in 2001.

Contour Design unveils iSee clear Nano case

Contour Design today unveiled the iSee nano, its clear iPod nano case that offers protection and headphone organization with a "Cablegrip". The iSee nano is an impact-resistant polycarbonate hard case featuring easy access to all controls, connectors and the headphone jack; a wrap-around cord management system with headphone organizer; and a detachable belt clip. Headphones double as a lanyard by hooking the headphone cable through the unique Cablegrip on the back of the case, and the Cablegrip can shorten the length of the headphone cord. The iSee nano is expected to be available during the first week of November for $20.

iPod video focuses on consumer experience

Apple's video iPod delivers an consumer experience unmatched by other devices, according to Businessweek. Along with the release of the new video-enabled device, Apple has gone the extra mile by providing a central place for locating and purchasing content: iTunes. "Perhaps most important, Apple has again done consumers a service by playing the trailblazer, persuading a top-tier studio to provide good content despite its fears of piracy and disruption to its distribution model. Competitors, especially Microsoft, won't just back off while Apple locks up the video market, but they face a big challenge. In digital entertainment, with so many irons in the fire, Microsoft has been unable to duplicate Apple's single-minded focus on consumers. The software giant's partners, mainly engineering-driven Asian manufacturers, design great hardware. But so far they haven't been able to match Apple's user-friendliness."